Best Day Trips from Stockholm

The Swedish capital of Stockholm has plenty to offer visitors. Home to the magnificent Royal Palace of the Swedish royal family, it's packed full of historic monuments, great restaurants, trendy wine bars, and everything you need to enjoy a city break. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Stockholm, and the city will be yours to explore.

But once you've seen the sights of Stockholm, including the best museums in the city, the Stockholm Archipelago has much more to offer. The best day trips from Stockholm can help you see more of Sweden and of Scandinavia as a whole. However you like to spend your time on vacation, there's probably a day trip from Stockholm for you. So leave the bags behind and get ready to explore outside of central Stockholm with these great day trips.

How to get out of Stockholm

As you can see from our guide on how to get around Stockholm, this is a city with great public transport infrastructure. It's not hard to get around Stockholm without a vehicle, and the same applies to much of the Stockholm Archipelago and beyond. After all, Stockholm Central Station is the biggest rail station in all of Sweden, with connections to cities throughout the country and into neighboring Norway and Denmark. That makes it the perfect base for day trips from Stockholm by train. Additionally, many long-distance bus services use the railway station as a hub and can take you to places the trains don't go.

Of course, depending on where you want to go, renting a car may also be an option. You probably don't want to drive inside Stockholm itself if you can avoid it, but if you want to visit some of the more remote attractions in the region, it might be a good idea to have your own transport.

From Stockholm to Uppsala Cathedral

The city of Uppsala is less than an hour away from Stockholm by train, making it one of the best day trips from the Swedish capital. It's home to Sweden's second oldest university, as well as a magnificent cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. If you're interested in Swedish history and culture, Uppsala makes for a great day out.

Start your visit at the Uppsala Cathedral, which towers over the rest of the city. This Gothic structure is one of the largest cathedrals in Scandinavia and is well worth a look inside. After that, make your way to the Gamla Uppsala Museum to learn more about the area's Viking past. Then, explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens before grabbing a bite to eat in one of Uppsala's many excellent restaurants. As Sweden's fourth largest city, the city offers a good range of things to do but has a more laid-back and historic feel than the capital.

How to get to Uppsala

The easiest way to get to Uppsala from Stockholm is by taking the train. The journey can take as little as 38 minutes, taking you right from central Stockholm to the heart of the University city in no time at all. That's what makes this one of the best day trips from Stockholm.

From Stockholm to Drottningholm Palace

Just outside of Stockholm is the Drottningholm Palace, one of the Swedish royal family's official residences. This beautiful Baroque palace is surrounded by manicured gardens and is well worth a visit if you're interested in architecture or history. You can even take a boat ride from Stockholm to get there, making it one of the most scenic day trips from the city.

Once you arrive at Drottningholm, start your visit by wandering around the grounds and gardens. Then, head inside the palace itself to see the incredible stately rooms and art collections. After that, make sure to check out the Chinese Pavilion and the Drottningholm Palace Theatre, which is still used for operas and other performances. You can easily spend a whole day here, so it's a great option if you're looking for things to do outside of Stockholm.

How to get to Drottningholm Palace

The easiest way to get to Drottningholm Palace from Stockholm is by taking the boat. The journey takes around an hour each way and gives you some great views of Stockholm as you cruise through the archipelago. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which takes around 45 minutes. Either way, this is one of the most scenic day trips from Stockholm.

From Stockholm to Marstrand Island

For something a little different, why not take a day trip to the island of Marstrand? This small island off the west coast of Sweden is a popular summer destination, known for its excellent beaches and pretty harbor. It's also home to a medieval fortress, which you can explore on a guided tour.

Start your day with a wander around the picturesque streets of Marstrand before heading down to the waterfront to soak up the atmosphere. Then, take a swim in the crystal-clear waters or sunbathe on the beach. If you're feeling active, you can even go windsurfing or sailing. In the afternoon, visit Carlsten Fortress for some great views over the island and the surrounding coastline. Before heading back to Stockholm, make sure to sample some of the excellent seafood on offer in Marstrand.

How to get to Marstrand Island

The easiest way to get to Marstrand from Stockholm is by taking the ferry. The journey takes around three hours, but it's a very scenic ride. Alternatively, you can take the train to Gothenburg and then catch a connecting ferry, which takes around five hours in total. Either way, this is one of the most enjoyable day trips from Stockholm.

From Stockholm to Gripsholm Castle

Gripsholm Castle is one of Sweden's most iconic castles and makes for a great day trip from Stockholm. This beautiful castle is located on the shores of Lake Malaren and dates back to the 16th century. Inside, you'll find a fascinating museum with an extensive art collection, as well as a number of historic rooms to explore.

If you're interested in Swedish history, Gripsholm Castle is a must-visit. Start your visit in the castle museum, which tells the story of the castle and its occupants over the centuries. Then, explore the beautifully decorated rooms and take in the views from the top of the tower. After that, make sure to stroll around the grounds and enjoy the peaceful setting by the lake.

How to get to Gripsholm Castle

The best way to get to Gripsholm Castle from Stockholm is by taking the boat. The journey takes around two hours each way, but it's a great way to see some of Sweden's stunning scenery. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which takes around an hour, or you could drive here in about 50 minutes. Regardless of how you get here, this is one of the most scenic day trips from Stockholm.

From Stockholm to Lake Mälaren

If you're looking for a day trip from Stockholm that's a little more relaxed, then head to Lake Mälaren. This large lake is located just outside of the city and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle. There are a number of small towns and villages dotted around the lake, so it's easy to find somewhere to relax for the day.

Start your day with a wander around one of the many quaint towns or take a swim in the refreshing waters of the lake. Then, enjoy a pleasant hike through the woods or go for a bike ride along the scenic lakeside paths. After that, have lunch in one of the local cafes or restaurants before heading back to Stockholm.

How to get to Lake Mälaren

There are lots of different points of entry to get to the lake, and one of the best ways to explore it is with a boat cruise right from Stockholm itself. Alternatively, you could take a bus or drive to one of the lakeside towns, some of which are no more than an hour outside of Stockholm.

From Stockholm to Sigtuna

If you're looking for a day trip with a bit of history, then head to Sigtuna. This charming town is located just outside of Stockholm and is one of the oldest towns in Sweden. It's known for its picturesque streets and medieval buildings, as well as its restaurants and cafes.

Start your visit with a walk around the town center to explore the historic buildings and take in the views. Then, stop for a coffee or lunch in one of the many cafes before heading to the Museum of Medieval Stockholm. This museum is located in an old monastery and is a great place to learn about Sigtuna's history. After that, make sure to visit the Stora Kyrkan, which is the town's large medieval church.

How to get to Sigtuna

There's no train service to Sigtuna, so you're looking at a bus ride of around an hour or a drive of about 45 minutes.

From Stockholm to the Stockholm Archipelago

The Stockholm Archipelago is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Stockholm. This group of islands is located just outside of the city and is a great place to enjoy some fresh air and stunning scenery. There are thousands of islands to explore, so you can easily spend a day or two island-hopping.

Start your trip with a visit to Gamla Stan, the old town centre of Stockholm. Then, take a ferry out to one of the many islands in the archipelago. Once there, enjoy a hike through the forests or go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Make sure to stop at one of the picturesque villages along the way for lunch before heading back to Stockholm.

How to get to the Stockholm Archipelago

There are regular ferry services that operate from central Stockholm to the islands, and many of the islands can also be reached by boat or bus. A great way to see a lot of the archipelago without a lot of effort is to take a boat cruise from the city.

From Stockholm to Jarlabanke Rune Stones

Jarlabanke Rune Stones are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Stockholm. This place is located just outside of the city and is a great place to learn about Swedish history. The site is made up of 26 large rune stones, each of which tells a different story. The ancient rune stones were built on the orders of Earl Jarlabanke, one of the most infamous Viking rulers, and this site will take you straight back to the Viking age and teach you more about this fascinating culture.

You can either take a guided tour of the site or explore it on your own. Either way, make sure to stop at the museum afterward to learn more about the history of the ship and the people who built it.

How to get to Jarlabanke Rune Stones

There is no direct public transport to Jarlabanke Rune Stones, so you'll need to take a bus or drive there. The journey takes around 45 minutes by bus or 30 minutes by car.

Conclusion

Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and with a wealth of fascinating history to draw on, Stockholm has so much to offer visitors. But the same is true of the region around the city. Head out of Stockholm on one of these day trips to see more of the country, and you'll be able to appreciate Sweden in a whole new way. And knowing your bags are being safely looked after by Bounce will make it much easier to get out and enjoy this part of the world.